Understanding how physical activity affects pain in chronic pain treatments
Official title: Characterizing the relationship between objective physical activity and momentary pain in cognitive behavioral interventions for chronic pain
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10888901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how staying active can affect pain levels in Veterans with chronic pain, using helpful techniques like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to see if they can improve the way pain and activity work together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,316 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AT012424-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888901 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans suffering from chronic pain who are seeking new ways to manage their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic pain or those who are not Veterans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between physical activity and pain levels in individuals with chronic pain, particularly focusing on cognitive behavioral interventions like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). By using accelerometers to objectively measure physical activity and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to track pain in real-time, the study aims to provide insights into how these factors interact over time. The research specifically targets Veterans, a group that experiences high rates of chronic pain, to explore how cognitive behavioral strategies can modify this relationship. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of pain management interventions by understanding the dynamics of pain and activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies that enhance physical functioning and quality of life for patients with chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between physical activity and pain using similar methodologies, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tynan, Mara — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Tynan, Mara
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.